A group of self-proclaimed indignant Colombians with ideas similar to the “Occupy” movement in the US and Spain’s “Indignados” want to run in the 2014 elections.
The group met for an hour with a magistrate at the national electoral council on Thursday, who clarified their doubts regarding the necessary steps to be met for them to become a legitimate political party.
The indignant Colombians, who are to be known as the Tomato party, are comprised mostly of people between the ages of 20-30.
The motivation behind the group, according to their Facebook page is to create a “perfect party”, one “in which the chosen need to consult with those who chose them before any decision is made.”
The group describe current politicians as “liars, thieves, and traitors” and have become known for their colorful protests, throwing tomatoes at billboards of public figures such as Senator Roy Barreras, former President Alvaro Uribe and current president Juan Manuel Santos.
The Tomato party itself carries a double meaning. While “mocking the seriousness of politics”, the Spanish word “tomate” also means “take” in Spanish, indicating a party where the “citizens take the policies.”
The group says it is determined to “defend the environment, reject violence, counter corruption, achieve education through equality and build citizenship through art and culture” and they encourage similar minded individuals to join.
Sources
- ‘Indignados’ empiezan trámite para convertirse en el Partido del Tomate (Elespectador)
-
Indignados colombianos buscan convertirse en partido político (El Tiempo)
- “Politiqueros a sacar sombrilla que se viene la lluvia de tomates” (Partido del Tomate Facebook page)